9 - 15 yearsThe average lifespan is 13 to 14 years. However some Groenendaels have been known to live less or longer than this.

Average Litter Size

The average litter size is 6-8 puppies.

General Physical Description

The Groenendael is a medium sized, longhaired dog that appears square in its outline. Although they are often confused with the ‘long-haired German Shepherd Dog’ by the general public, they are squarer in profile; lighter in bone and more refined in head, with a light, brisk movement.

Height

Min

Max

Bitch

56cm (22")

61cm (24")

Dog

61cm (24")

66cm (26")

Weight

Min

Max

Bitch

20kg (44lbs)

23kg (51lbs)

Dog

27.5kg (61lbs)

28.5kg (63lbs)

Size Category

Medium

Weight Height Range

Dogs should measure between 61-66cms at the withers and bitches should ideally measure between 56-61cms at the withers. Dogs should weigh between 27.5 - 28.5kgs, bitches between 20-23kgs.

Ailments

Anyone looking for a puppy should make sure that both parents are hip-scored and eyes are tested. Hip status in the breed is generally excellent but that’s not to say that there haven’t been the odd high scores. Epilepsy has occurred (and still does occur) in the breed but breeders have worked hard to reduce the incidence to a minimum.

Common Ailments

React to immunisations and anaestheticsTendency to develop dermatitis during shedding

Susceptibility To Illness

Low

Other

History

The Belgian Shepherd dog the only breed in the world that comes in 4 varieties: the long-haired black ‘Groenendael’, the long-haired fawn, red or grey ‘Tervueren’, the short-coated red, fawn or grey ‘Malinois’ and the rarer rough-coated reddish fawn ‘Laekenois’. Originating from Belgium, they are named after the areas in Belgium from which they came Groenendael, Tervuren, Malines and Laeken. Hard working sheepdogs from Belgium have been recognised since the Middle Ages. At this time the type varied greatly and breeding was based on working ability. As they were bred from locally certain common characteristics began to appear. In the 1890’s a Professor of the Belgian School of Veterinary Sciences recorded standards for the various types of Belgian sheepdogs. It was noted that they were all similar in type with the main difference being the coat. The Professor then divided them into varieties and advised breeding them as separate breeds. Once there were as many as eight varieties now there are only four. The Groenendael was developed from a black bitch of the Belgian sheepdog type being crossed with another black herding dog. The resulting litter became the precedent of the Groenendael. The breeding schedule of these dogs suffered during the war. During the war they were used to find wounded soldiers and to carry messages at the front. The first Belgian Sheepdog Club can be traced back to 1893, and the name Groenendael was officially chosen in 1910.

Intelligence

The Groenendael is an intelligent dog that learns very quickly. A gentle but consistent approach is the best way to train this dog. They should be socialised from a very early age

Show Characteristics

The head should be long and finely chiselled, with the skull being roughly equal to the length of the tapering muzzle. The nose should be black. The jaw should have a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be dark brown, of medium size and almondish shaped. Their ears should be of small to medium size, triangular and set high. The neck should be well muscled and slightly arched. The body should consist of a deep chest, graceful curved underline with a slightly sloping rump. The front legs should be long and well muscled with accentuated withers, and the back legs should be powerful and well muscled. The front feet should be round and tight with well-arched toes and the back feet slightly oval in shape. Their movement should be light and brisk. The tail should be of medium length with the tip carried slightly above the level of the topline. They should have a long, straight and profuse outercoat with an extremely dense undercoat. The hair should be shorter on the head, ears and lower legs. It is longer and more abundant around the neck (forming a ruff), on the back end and the tail. The back of the legs should have a fringe of longer hair on them. The males are usually longer coated than the females. The preferred colour for the show ri

Country Of Origin

Belgium

Famous Examples

Records Held

Characteristics

Energy

High

Overall Exercise

60 - 80 minutes per day.
They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and to this end they excel at agility and obedience. They are very active dogs and should not be considered as pets if they are to be left alone all day.

The Groenendael is a devoted companion and does not make an ideal kennel dog, as they become bored and destructive. They are very affectionate and totally devoted to their families. Not a breed for those wanting ‘just a dog’. The Belgian wants to join in with everything including doing the washing up, digging the garden etc. They will protect their home and family but it is not advisable to encourage their guarding instincts when young, as they can get confused and start guarding you in inappropriate situations. Their natural guarding instincts will kick in, if and when necessary.

Grooming

Coat Length

Medium/Long

Grooming Requirement

> Once a week

Trimming

None

Requires Professional Groomer

Grooming

The Groenendael is a longhaired dog that needs a fair amount of grooming. They have a long, straight and profuse outercoat with an extremely dense undercoat.

Colour

The Groenendael is black in colour. They may have limited white on the chest and toes.